There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the host's body.For most of them, the main carrier is people.And having penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common.They are the ones that cause the most unpleasant moments, including the development of complications, so you should consult a doctor at the first signs of infection.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
Protozoa, the main carrier of which are humans, are divided into two main groups:
- cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, bedbugs.They live in human hair and skin, feeding on his blood and are capable of carrying various dangerous diseases.But still, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous ones.The latter, living in the human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also raise their offspring inside it.Therefore, fighting skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than fighting skin parasites.
Many protozoa and helminths live under the human skin that can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Breast worm disease
- cisticerosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that making an accurate diagnosis is often very difficult, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble an ordinary allergic reaction.Consequently, it takes a very long time to treat dermatoses.
To get an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how it manifests itself, let's consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easy to get infected when visiting Africa, South America and Asia.Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a blood-sucking insect, such as a mosquito.As for the incubation period, it can reach 7 years for this type of dermatosis.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease often include mild fever and hives, so they are often ignored.
And only after a few years, the following begin to appear on the skin:
- Ulcers
- wen
- Nodes
- Papules.
Over time, eczema can develop.In some cases, they may be accompanied by mild malaise, headache and fever, which leads to the conclusion that the patient is infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by thread nematodes.
But if measures are not taken in time, parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications in the form of arthrosis and vision problems.
The use of mosquito repellents will help to avoid infection.By treating exposed skin with it and thus protecting yourself from the bites of bloodsucking insects, you will be protected from filariasis infection.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths - guinea worms.Adults of these parasites that live under the human skin can reach a length of more than one meter.The peculiarity of this species is that not only people, but also domestic animals: cats, dogs can serve as carriers for them.These parasites are most often found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by eating raw, untreated water.After 2 weeks they begin their journey through the host's body and after 1.5 months they penetrate the subcutaneous areas.The larva will develop into an adult only after a year.
Symptoms of guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with another disease.Initially, an elongated and swollen area, resembling a small lace, appears on the skin in the leg area.Then a bubble is formed in its place, inside which are the eggs of the helminth.And when water enters, it bursts, allowing new larvae to emerge into the environment.
If the treatment of the disease is not started on time, complications appear in the form of:
- Inflammation of the joints
- Gangrene
- Sepsis, which is caused by abscesses forming in the skin.
As for the fight against this human skin parasite, it consists in removing it from the skin tissue.Moreover, this process can last for several days if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body.The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid infection with dracunculiasis, you should drink only disinfected water and not swim in open water.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is also caused by helminths.They live in the waters of Asia and Africa, so swimming in them you risk getting infected.This type of helminth parasitizes not only the human skin, but also the genitourinary organs.In the initial stage of development, the disease manifests itself as redness, itching and dermatitis.Then there are signs of kidney damage and the liver may be enlarged.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs.But it is better to avoid infection by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant bodies of water and drink only boiled water.
Breast worm disease
These parasites enter the skin through cracks on the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body.But more often they still affect the lower extremities and remain there, without migrating to the whole body.
Hookworm is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- the appearance of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about the infection is the fact that this disease is quite difficult to treat and it is not always possible to achieve a positive result.
cisticerosis
The larvae of the pig worm can also parasitize under the human skin.The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are the internal organs, where they penetrate with food or water contaminated by helminths.But there are still frequent cases of their development under the skin and they can live there for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection are swelling and new growths in the area where the parasite has penetrated.Over time they become denser.In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is surgical intervention and taking antiparasitic medications.
mange
Today this disease is quite rare, but literally 50 years ago it was one of the most common among those caused by parasites.Its appearance is caused by the penetration of a microscopic scabies mite under the skin of a person.Moreover, it prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, where it feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs in it.
The life cycle of an adult is no more than two months.But during this time the female manages to lay more than a dozen eggs.Most often, ticks affect the hands, folds, armpits and soles of the feet.But it can also be found in the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which is indicated by visible signs, such as visible passages, crusts in places where it itches, redness and itching that worsens at night.If not treated immediately, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap.For extensive lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed.But to avoid re-infection, it is necessary to boil the patient's linen and clothes and iron them with a hot iron on both sides.Therefore, it is easier to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with an infected person - this will help not to get sick.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often, you can determine whether a person is infected or not visually.However, in any case, the patient will be prescribed an examination, which will help to more accurately determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites.
Parasitic skin diseases are diagnosed:
- Getting an itch and spotting from the mucous membrane;
- A blood test to check for the presence of antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results, the doctor can determine a treatment regimen and prescribe medications that can destroy the parasite.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, surgery may also be required.But most often it is possible to achieve by using different medications.
Disease prevention
Since the removal of some types of helminths from the human body can take several years, it is easier to prevent parasitic skin diseases.To do this, you should avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.